Vladislaus II of Bohemia and Hungary (b. 1456)

Vladislaus II, a name that echoes through Central European history, was a figure navigating the complex political landscape of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Also known as Vladislav, Władysław, or Wladislas, and to Hungarians as II. Ulászló, he reigned as King of Bohemia from 1471 to 1516 and subsequently held the crowns of Hungary and Croatia from 1490 until his death. Born on March 1, 1456, as the eldest son of Casimir IV Jagiellon, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, Vladislaus came from a powerful dynastic background, originally destined for the Polish and Lithuanian thrones. His mother, Elizabeth of Habsburg, linked him directly to the formidable Habsburg lineage, a connection that would prove crucial in his later claims to the Hungarian throne.

Ascending the Bohemian Throne Amidst Turmoil

The path to his first crown, that of Bohemia, was paved by strategic alliances and shifting political fortunes. In 1468, George of Poděbrady, the Hussite ruler of Bohemia, facing rebellion from Catholic noblemen and the formidable challenge of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary, shrewdly offered to make Vladislaus his heir. Poděbrady desperately needed the support of Vladislaus's powerful father, Casimir IV, to maintain his hold on Bohemia. Following Poděbrady's death, the Diet of Bohemia indeed elected Vladislaus as king, yet his rule was initially constrained. Matthias Corvinus, whom the Catholic nobles had also elected as king, maintained control over crucial Bohemian territories including Moravia, Silesia, and both Lusatias. Vladislaus, with his father's assistance, launched attempts to reconquer these four provinces, but Matthias Corvinus, known for his military prowess, successfully repelled their efforts, setting the stage for a prolonged power struggle.

Navigating Religious Divides and Noble Power

The protracted conflict over the Bohemian Crown culminated in the Peace of Olomouc in 1479, a treaty that saw Vladislaus and Matthias Corvinus formally divide the Bohemian territories. This period of intermittent warfare significantly strengthened the position of the Estates of the realm, both in Bohemia and Hungary, as monarchs increasingly relied on their support. Vladislaus's reign in Bohemia was marked by delicate balancing acts, particularly concerning the deep-seated religious tensions between the Hussites and Catholics that had defined Bohemian society for decades. His attempts to promote Catholic influence, however, triggered a major rebellion in Prague and other towns in 1483. This uprising ultimately forced him to acknowledge the dominance of the Hussites in municipal assemblies, highlighting the enduring power of the Hussite movement. Further cementing this religious pluralism, the Bohemian Diet confirmed the right of noblemen and commoners alike to freely adhere to either Hussitism or Catholicism in 1485, a significant step towards religious coexistence in the region.

The Hungarian Succession and "Dobzse László"

As the 1480s drew to a close, new opportunities and challenges arose. Matthias Corvinus, in a move to secure a future for his illegitimate son, John Corvinus, began seizing Silesian duchies for him. This act galvanized Vladislaus to form new alliances against the increasingly assertive Hungarian king. Upon Matthias Corvinus's death, Vladislaus, whose mother, Elizabeth of Habsburg, was the sister of Matthias's predecessor, seized the moment and laid claim to the Hungarian throne. His supporters successfully defeated John Corvinus, leading the Diet of Hungary to elect Vladislaus as their new king. Although other claimants, including his brother John Albert and Maximilian of Habsburg (a future Holy Roman Emperor), invaded Hungary, they ultimately failed to assert their claims and made peace with Vladislaus in 1491, solidifying his dual monarchy.

Upon becoming King of Hungary, Vladislaus settled in Buda, the heart of the kingdom. His focus on Hungary, however, inadvertently led to the Estates of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, and both Lusatias taking increasingly full charge of state administration, further decentralizing royal power in his Bohemian lands. Known for his mild-mannered and often acquiescent nature, Vladislaus gained the Hungarian nickname "Dobzse László," derived from the Czech "král Dobře" or Latin "rex Bene," meaning "King Very Well" or "King Good." This moniker alluded to his tendency to approve the decisions of his Royal Council, often without much contention, a trait that underscored the shift of power from the monarch to the powerful nobility. Unfortunately, the concessions he made before his election, particularly to the Hungarian magnates, severely depleted the royal treasury. This financial weakness proved disastrous: Matthias Corvinus's formidable Black Army, a professional standing force crucial for defense, was dissolved after a rebellion due to lack of funds. This left the kingdom vulnerable, as the Ottoman Empire, a persistent and growing threat, made regular raids against Hungary's southern border and had even annexed territories in Croatia after 1493, marking a dangerous new era for Central Europe.

FAQs About Vladislaus II Jagiellon

Who was Vladislaus II?

Vladislaus II (also known as Vladislav or II. Ulászló) was a Central European monarch from the Jagiellonian dynasty, who served as King of Bohemia from 1471 to 1516 and King of Hungary and Croatia from 1490 to 1516. He was the eldest son of Casimir IV Jagiellon, King of Poland.

When did Vladislaus II reign?

He reigned as King of Bohemia from 1471 to 1516, and as King of Hungary and Croatia from 1490 to 1516, until his death on March 13, 1516.

What was Vladislaus II's nickname and why?

In Hungary, he was often called "Dobzse László," which means "King Very Well" or "King Good." This nickname reflected his tendency to agree with the decisions of his Royal Council and the powerful Estates, indicating a period where royal authority was significantly diminished in favor of the nobility.

How did Vladislaus II become King of Bohemia?

He was offered the succession by the Hussite ruler George of Poděbrady in 1468 and was subsequently elected King by the Diet of Bohemia in 1471 following Poděbrady's death. However, his early reign was challenged by Matthias Corvinus, who also held parts of Bohemia.

What was the Peace of Olomouc?

The Peace of Olomouc, signed in 1479, was a treaty between Vladislaus II and Matthias Corvinus that formally divided the Crown of Bohemia, allowing both monarchs to hold territories traditionally belonging to Bohemia. It concluded a period of conflict between the two kings.

What challenges did he face during his reign?

Vladislaus II faced numerous challenges, including ongoing struggles with Matthias Corvinus, religious tensions between Hussites and Catholics in Bohemia (leading to the 1483 Prague rebellion), a weakening of royal power due to the rising influence of the Estates, a depleted royal treasury, and the significant military threat from the expanding Ottoman Empire after the dissolution of Hungary's Black Army.

What was the significance of his mother being a Habsburg?

His mother, Elizabeth of Habsburg, was the sister of Frederick III, the predecessor of Matthias Corvinus on the Holy Roman Imperial throne. This Habsburg connection provided Vladislaus II with a crucial dynastic claim to the Hungarian throne after Matthias Corvinus's death, strengthening his legitimacy against other claimants.